Microsoft’s final update for Dynamics GP which includes major new features is version 18.5. After that, Dynamics GP will only receive routine maintenance, including regulatory and security updates. No new features will be released. Microsoft will be targeting its investments primarily toward D365 Business Central.

What We Know

Our team of Microsoft Dynamics GP experts attended the Microsoft Community Summit in Orlando, Florida. On October 11, 2022, Microsoft Vice President Michael Morton announced that Microsoft Dynamics GP version 18.5 will be the last release with major new features.

Beyond version 18.5, GP will continue to receive regulatory and security updates only. According to Morton, new features and investments from Microsoft will primarily target Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

To help Dynamics GP customers migrate to Business Central, Microsoft will launch a Bridge to Cloud 2 promotion beginning January 2023. This promotion enables GP customers to obtain 40% discounted licenses to Business Central for three years.

What is Dynamics GP Modern Lifecycle Support?

In October 2019, Microsoft transitioned its GP customer base to the Modern Lifecycle support policy. The Modern Lifecycle policy offers continuous service and support, including new features, bug fixes, and tax updates, when users install one of the three annual updates (released in June, October, and November/December).

In other words, to receive full product support from Microsoft in any given year, users need to use one of the current year’s versions of Dynamics GP. 

Dynamics GP versions before 18.2 are governed under the Fixed Lifecycle policy, which means that they will be supported for 10 years (5 years of Mainstream support and 5 years of Extended support).

This means that if your version is still managed by the Fixed Lifecycle policy, your Mainstream support will be ending in 2023 and Extended support will end in 2028.

Current State of Dynamics GP

Is it essential to switch from Dynamics GP right away? No. But should you consider teaming up with a Dynamics GP partner to secure a successful future? Definitely!

At Cargas, we’ve always urged our Microsoft Dynamics GP customers to keep pace with the Modern Lifecycle. So, in 2022, we introduced Enhancement Services to assist our GP customers in staying compliant. Those who subscribe to an Enhancement Services plan get update services at least once a year to keep their software current, as it’s the only version supported by Microsoft.

Recently, Microsoft released the latest version, version 18.5, and we’re currently in the process of updating all our customers to this version. However, Microsoft has announced that this will be the final version to include new features. Going forward, customers on the latest version will receive regulatory and security updates, as well as support from Microsoft. We strongly advise all Microsoft Dynamics GP customers to, at the very least, upgrade to the most recent version.

What is the Future of Dynamics GP?

For a few years now, we’ve been talking to our Microsoft Dynamics GP customers about their plans for migrating their technology to the cloud. With our almost 30 years of experience with GP, our team of Microsoft experts has developed tools to help customers transition to the cloud with solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Sage Intacct. To date, Cargas has helped nearly 500 customers move to cloud-based financial and ERP solutions.

We’re excited to help GP customers take advantage of the Bridge to Cloud 2 promotion beginning in January 2023 and pair it with our Lift and Shift GP to BC migration package.    

Next Steps

Check out our Dynamics GP Migration Guide for more information on beginning or continuing your cloud-based ERP search. If you’re ready to discuss your options, contact Julie Fuller, our ERP Migration Specialist.